Emian - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Carmaena and Denman stood at the round about watching in silence as Emian finished readying her horse. The early morning light was still cold and pale, almost sickly in its near absence. Emian patted the neck of her horse Myrise and then checked that the pack pony’s lead was secured. Emian was sorry Merine would be left behind. The mare had been left to her by her father, but Merine had not been so young then and she was certainly too old now for any sort of long adventures. Myrise was a good horse though. She was the daughter of old Merine and her coat seemed even glossier and deeper black than her dam. She was intelligent and strong, fathered by a retired war horse. She was well trained to protect her rider. Really, she was only a little too gentle and a little too fleet to be called a war horse herself. A little stronger and a litter sharper with her teeth and she wouldn’t have been Emian’s. She finally decided all was in order and turned to face her guardians.

“I wish you would reconsider,” Carmaena burst out before Emian could speak a word. The girl shook her head.

“I have to go, but I promise I’ll come back. Not even death will keep me away.”

“Oh,” moaned  Carmaena, “sweet Mother of the Sky, don’t say things like that.” Carmaena had always been like a mother to Emian. She even looked motherly. Her greying copper hair was pulled back in a simple knot at the nape of her neck. She was somewhat plump and always had a compassionate eye for the little ones around and near her lands. She wore an elegant but simply made green dress of fine fabric…not silk though, Emian was sure. Emian never thought she looked like how a High Lady was supposed to, but she knew that her guardian had wealth and influence. Not many used it to help others as she did. Even fewer doted on children from the smallest babes to the feistiest adolescents the way she did either.

“Do you know where you’ll be headed first?” Denman, always practical, then asked. Emian nodded.

“I’m headed west…and north I think…the city of Silvanar? I hear there is a festival of some sort held every few years. I would like to visit.”

“You think you’ll find your father there?”

“Perhaps, likely not, but I have to start somewhere.”;

“Truer words...” He smiled at her. He was handsome and the years had been kind to him. His gold-brown hair had very little grey and there was none in his beard so far. He was a practical man, but intelligent and kind hearted. He had welcomed Emian, her father and Mist immediately with few questions. He did not dote like Carmaena did but he never failed to give Emian’s questions the thought they deserved and he had never told her that she was too young for an answer or that it was not a question for girls to be asking. He had trained her well at archery and falconry and general defence. He had already told her he had confidence she could take care of herself. She had sense and where that failed she had Mist. He was sorry to see her go but could not tell her she was still not ready. He couldn’t lie to her. He’d never been able to.

“Do you have the map I gave you?” She nodded, “good. Silvanar should be on there then.” She nodded again. She doubted she’d need the map. She’d dreamed of the place the night before. Much of the road to Silvanar had been in her dream as well. And though she had no idea where the dream had come from, she knew she was meant to go there, so go she would. If she didn’t find her father at lest she might find something else she could need. It was enough. Even Mist, who had at first huffed about it sulkily had agreed that it sounded like a place worth seeing. Now they were only minutes from starting their journey.

It felt strange to be leaving the place that had been their home for so many years. She knew, somehow, that they’d be back, but she still felt tears surfacing quickly. This had been her home for most of her life. He had been small when she and her father had fled. She had grown up here under the loving gazes of Denman and Carmaena and now she was leaving. She already felt homesick and she wasn’t even gone yet. She sighed and embraced her guardians.

“I’ll return,” she promised, “it’s only for a while. I’ll come back, you have my word.” Carmaena nodded wordlessly. Her eyes were flooding over, crystalline beads already brightened her cheeks.
“A safe journey,” Denman sad, “May the road always rise up to meet you and may your journey home be swift.” She nodded and made the traditional.

“May you always find a roof over your head and a place to rest your head by starlight.” Carmaena and Denman each kissed both of Emian’s cheeks and then she turned away and swung up into Myrise’s saddle. Mist bounded out from the shadows of a tree and took her place next to the saddle horse. With much waving and well wishing, Emian headed away from the place she called home and began a new chapter in her life. She knew she was still young, but she was ready for it. She couldn’t wait forever for someone to come to her. Her father hadn’t come to her, now it was time for her to go to him


Note: I'm aware that the "traditional farewell" and "blessing" near the end is somewhat cliche. I haven't decided if I want to take it out yet or not. Feel free to tell me what you think. ^_^